Rock

In 2016 Kris Barras released “Lucky 13”. The album was titled as such as it was his 13th year as a professional musician and a “now or never” moment.

That moment led to a first European tour, playing a crowd-drawing set at Ramblin Man Fair and a headline slot at the world’s largest indoor arena blues festival in RAWA Blues Poland the following year. Strutting into December 2017, Kris signed with Mascot Label Group amidst all sorts of conspiracy theories; including one of a suspected terror incident in London upon his first visit to their UK office. The Kris Barras Band new album “The Divine and Dirty” is due for release March 23.

Being an ex-professional Mixed Martial Arts fighter, Kris Barras will take a punch, endure and toy with it after. He’ll then fire it back at you when you least expect it…

“The Divine and Dirty” comes out March 23 in the UK, are folk about to hear two sides of the Kris Barras Band?Possibly, but we’ll get into that later…It was kind of based on the fact that there’s the dirty, slidey, rockier elements that’s contrasted by the gospel side on the album which brings a balance to it. I felt it summed up the album with the riffs and songs I had written and bringing in the ace backing vocalists really added to it, there’s different sides to everyone and the title came about later on whilst writing.

It’s a great collection of songs that’s going to have a wide appeal to blues rock fans everywhere, what was going through your mind whilst writing?I started writing for it about 18 months ago and songs like “Hail Mary” and “Propane” have been in our live set for at least a year. I wrote the album quite gradually really, rather than at the end of the process going “Right, I’ve got 30 songs, which ones am I going to do?”. I was sifting through them as I was writing them, throwing out what didn’t work or feel right for where I wanted the album to go and sound. I’d write a song, leave it for a bit, come back to it and if it wasn’t sticking with me, I’d chuck it on the pile aside, perhaps for another time.

Did you draw from moments in your life for the songs such as “Kick Me Down” and “Lovers or Losers” and were there any specific messages you wanted to throw out there?Some of the songs, you know they’re just stories to tell, are not necessarily things that have happened to me but there are a fair few autobiographical tunes in there and people can figure that out for themselves. It’s quite a nice release to be able to write about things that have happened, people, places etc but they’re not always about me even if they’re sung in the first person. I think anyone who plays music enjoys that release and to let people find something for themselves in a song.

You recorded your last album “Lucky 13” in your own studio, but this time round you’ve had a change of guard…Yeah, I and the keyboard player Matt recorded, engineered, produced, mixed, the lot on “Lucky 13” which was really well received and led on to a really great year for me. With this album, I really wanted to work with a dedicated producer, a guy that was going to tell me what to do so I could just concentrate on the playing and singing. We recorded it at Momentum Studios in Plymouth UK with Josiah J Manning producing. Josiah was a guy I knew of from a gig and I knew a lot of bands that had recorded with him and I really liked the sound of their albums. We got together, had a chat and it went from there. During the recording, my band line up changed as we recorded the album in two halves. When I started it I was self-financed so could only afford to get 4 tracks down with Huw Weston on the keys and Ricky Mitchell on bass. As the band’s developed over time, signing with Mascot Label Group and commitments getting bigger and bigger by the weeks they’ve had to drop out due to work and family commitments. As a result, Josiah has joined the band as permanent keyboard and organ player which is really exciting and his playing is on the album.

When it comes to your guitar playing, do you find it difficult from trying to get as much guitar on the album as a player or do you consider yourself to be more of a songwriter/guitarist?I don’t really like placing a label on it, to be honest so I’ve not put much thought into which one I am! Hahaha! You know, I just write songs that I want to write and some songs on the album have lent themselves more to the vocal and melody and others are clearly balls out guitar tunes…I don’t sit down and decide what I’m going to write or play it’s really just what comes out at the time. I like to think that I’m not just writing songs where the verse and chorus is just passing time to get to the guitar solo, my songs have more substance to them than that. I really put a lot of effort into creating these songs, with all the songs I’ve written and I hope that people enjoy them and get something out of them for themselves. I think that’s already been reflected in the airplay from Planet Rock with “Hail Mary”.

You mentioned guitar solos, and you knew I was going to ask anyway, what’s your approach to them as there’s a bunch of “less is more” moments (which I think are going to surprise some listeners) on this album…It varied from song to song how I approached them. To be honest, and don’t tell anyone, I’m not very good at writing solos or playing the same thing twice! Hahaa! I never have been – I’ve always been about improvising. I’ve had to work really hard re-learning some of the solos from my songs to actually play them on this coming tour as some of them are memorable to the audience so I need to give them the actual thing rather than widdling with new ideas all the time!

Everything’s off the cuff when you record then?For some of them I do have a rough structure, some themes or ideas I want to include so I’ll bang a few takes out and we’ll pick the best one. On some of the solos on “The Divine and Dirty” there was no preparation at all – I was just gonna play whatever I was going to there and then.

…all in one take then, none of the cutting and pasting nonsense?Well if there was I wasn’t aware of it! Maybe Josiah did that after I left, you’ll have to ask him mate! Nah, not really, all solid, one take, it’s the only way. I know some of your readers like their gear so here we go: most of the album I played my Fender Custom Shop Telecaster that we talked about before, the one I took a punt on eBay for and really liked it. A few tracks had a couple of overdubs with my Strat, but the Tele always sounded best. Amps wise my Laney Lionheart which is a beast of an amp with a 2 12 cab was the main one. For 4 tracks I recorded first prior to my Laney endorsement, I used my Roberts 50W all valve combo amp and that amps still a bit of a mystery if anyone knows who built it?

The first round bell of your Divine and Dirty tour rings out Tuesday March 20 at Thousand Island in London – are people in for it, but in the nicest possible way?Definitely! We’ve been rehearsing so much and really putting a lot of effort into making the best show that we possibly can. It’s not just about having new songs to play and a new set, but really making a show in the way that songs run from one into the other. It’s really polished, yet raw and we’re really looking forward to getting out there and hitting people with it at Thousand Island and debuting songs from “The Divine and Dirty” for the first time. The other dates of the tour are going to be great also; one venue in Sittingbourne has been upgraded to a larger venue in UKP Leisure as the original venue sold out and Tavistock Wharf is a few tickets shy of selling out…

With your full band on the tour, there’s going to be a bit of a difference when you’re opening for Beth Hart on her UK tour shortly afterwards…Yes, we’re doing an acoustic trio for that and it’s gonna be great to be out on tour with such a cool and powerful singer in Beth, who’s a label friend. Again, for that we’ve come up with a really cool set with some different takes on the songs which people will love and I’m really pleased with how it’s turned out. The audience will see a different side of me on that tour and not just the guitar player some may think I am.

In your MMA fighting days, you stepped into the ring with a whole heap of characters and went toe to toe. Not that music is a competition and shouldn’t be, but if you were to step into the guitar face off ring with anyone living who would that be?Bloody hell…that’s a good one…give me a minute. It would have to be Joe Bonamassa. He’s the biggest name in my genre and there’d be no competition as you say – it’d be great for a laugh! Joe’s been a big influence on me in the past recent years and is a really nice bloke so that would be awesome to have that shot.

…and a guitarist who has passed on?C’mon now, you know it’s Gary Moore! That guy played with such balls and passion – it’d of been great to share a stage with him and feel that passion and intensity up close.

Bluesdoodles review – “The Divine And Dirty is a very good album. He is an excellent guitarist and with so many hooks and bristling solos, the album has drive, intensity and passion”. Read what else we said HERE

Three Bands, entertaining Y Plas in Cardiff tonight. The bands span the years, varying in longevity. They were connected, all were five pieces, with two guitarists and a charismatic vocalist upfront. First up tonight the first of the five-piece rocking delights Bad Touch. High energy start, straight into their hefty Southern Rock inspired sound. What a band to warm the crowd they know how to entertain. The set included numbers of their well-received debut album, Truth Be Told. Stevie’s vocal delivery just gets better and better his confidence and freedom to perform grows with every gig he adds to the Bad Touch roster. The future of British Classic Rock is safe in the hands of young bands picking up the torch and setting stages alight with rock glory. The anthemic My Mother Told Me allowed the audience to join in the singing. In between the numbers we knew they slipped in a new rockier number from their anticipated album out later this year. We all raised our head with Get Your Head Up – now you have really whetted our appetite for a whole set of new Bad Touch songs. The guitars of Daniel Seekings and Rob Glendinning work together with depths of harmony that will always be a delight. We hear the cowboy song, Daniels favourites as his guitar brings in the narrative-driven number Outlaw. Closing out the set with the single from the album 99% leaving everyone wanting more. The set was short and I could have listened to them all night, but we have two more bands to entertain us Toselandand headliners Skid Row.

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With many fans in the room, wearing Toseland T-shirts it was not surprising the welcome and a Boogie-woogie fanfare accompanied the entrance to a roaring welcome from the Cardiff crowd, many of whom had heard Toseland up the mountain at Steelhouse.

The temperature rose as Toseland’s, vocals and warm smile connected to the Cardiff crowd tonight. The guitarist added depth of tone as Zurab Melua and Ed Bramford complimented each other’s tones during another energetic set. When Toseland sat behind the keys the sound deepened. Opening with Puppet On A Chain from their album Cradle The Rage along with another two numbers on their very short six-track set. The drumming solid as ever from Joe Yoshida with booming rhythms and timing that gives the band a depth of shape when combined with the bass tones from Roger Davis. This is the defining rock from Toseland that allows James’ voice to soar and connect with the audience. The performance was top-notch rock that sings the vocals it is the glory that makes this band a firm favourite.

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The stage is reorganized and the anticipation grows for the headliners Skid Row, as we leave behind British Rock and new bands and are treated to American Rock. I confess I have not seen Skid Row live before in any of their formats. I loved the music from the Sebastian Bach period but willing to hear the vocals from new singer ZP Theart. Skid Row finished the night off with some furious heavy rock, definitely the heaviest tonight. Yes, the sound on the classic numbers from the original line-up was not quite the same. But ZP was not imitating previous vocalists, he was delivering the numbers his own way. Yes, he certainly looked the part and at times his voice was lost in bands delivery of heavy melodic riffs and rhythms. Other bands have had changes and Skid Row is no different from them. This the heaviest of the bands tonight with dualling guitarists that hit the mark. The duals between Snake Sabo and Scotti Hill were superb. For me, this was rock that lifted the spirit and the feel-good factor was delivered in every number that was mainly from the Seb Bach period. The atmosphere was hot, with the crowd singing, chanting along creating a friendly rocking atmosphere as we were united by the love of live music. The crowd went wild at every opportunity. The numbers that really got the crowds ecstatic were Sweet Little Sister and 18 and Life. With some punk rock was added to the mix delivered in their signature fast, and heavy style. Monkey Business gave the band the opportunity to jam. Including solos from all the band members. Great showmanship by the guitarist this was the battle of the guitars and the judicious use of cowbell added to the atmosphere.

For me the weakest number of the night to my disappointment was I Remember You. The tempo is slower and something of the inner majesty of the number was lost tonight. Closing with Youth Gone Wild, our youth may have disappeared over the years since we listened to Skid Row deliver the number back in 1989, the energy is still there. We left on a musical high.

The three bands format is a fabulous way of hearing new bands. For some, this was Toseland, for others Bad Touch and a few the first time hearing Skid Row live. What it does do for me every time I leave with a feeling of disappointment. However, entertaining the headliners were you are left wishing one band had a longer set to play. Tonight, for me that was Bad Touch I wanted more from charismatic vocalist Stevie Westwood and the band from Norwich. The short set gave us a glimmer of a bad that is destined for the top of the classic rock tree. There is no argument on tonight’s performance the wait for the second album will be worth it and another headline tour. Thank you, Band Touch for your music you Rock.

Today is International Women’s Day and thought how male-dominated Bluesdoodles the ration is dismal not deliberately but how music is promoted perhaps or internal and unrecognized biases.

As a woman and blogger of music, it dawned on me that this needed to be rectified not for one day but every day. So to celebrate International Women’s Day 2018 a new page is being launched Women In Music.

The Women In Music Zone is a place for women involved in the music business, singers, musicians and as importantly women involved across the industry. Photographers, Sound & Lighting Engineers, Producers, Promoters, bloggers etc.

This is a place for all women involved in Music who celebrate their art through Blues, Americana, Roots and Rock music the focus of Bluesdoodles.

Welcome aboard and join the day women’s voices were heard louder with confidence.

Email your story to liz@bluesdoodles.com and get involved with Bluesdoodles Women in Music. Today and every day.

THE MAGPIE SALUTE ENTER THE STUDIO TO RECORD THEIR DEBUT ALBUM
To Be Released This Summer Via Mascot Label Group
Tour Dates To Be Announced Shortly

Mascot Label Group are thrilled to announce that The Magpie Salutehave joined the Provogue label to sit at home amongst some of the finest modern blues icons such as Joe Bonamassa, Beth Hart, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, Walter Trout, Eric Gales, Sonny Landreth, Gary Hoey and more.

The Magpie Salute which brings together the reunited guitar team of Rich Robinson and Marc Fordfrom the Black Crowes, bassist Sven Pipien (also from the Crowes) along with lead singer John Hogg (Hookah Brown, Moke), drummer Joe Magistro and guitarist Nico Bereciartua have entered a studio in Nashville, TN to begin recording their debut album. The currently untitled record is due out later this summer via Mascot Label Group.

“We’re all very excited to start a new partnership with Mascot Label Group,” Rich Robinson commented. “We’ve just started recording our first original music for release this summer. We can’t wait to see you out there on the road.”

Mascot Label Group CEO Ed van Zijl on signing The Magpie Salute: “I’m really excited to welcome The Magpie Salute to the Mascot family. They are an incredible band with a huge melting pot of ideas that feels fresh and powerful. They are no ordinary band and you can tell they all have a long history together which shows in their rich songwriting. Their debut album is going to be a real joy and I feel we are going to have a great future.”

Formed by Rich Robinson in late 2016, The Magpie Salute spent most of 2017 on the road performing over 75 shows in countries around the world. Through the miles travelled the ensemble became a band. From their varied set lists every single night, with the band choosing from repertoire exceeding 200 songs, The Magpie Salute immediately developed a rapid fan base.

THE UNDERGROUND MUSIC CONFERENCE GOES ON THE ROAD:

One place for artists and bands to get an edge FOR FREE is the Underground Music Conference. The UMC is is hitting the road this April, taking this valuable event and bringing a tour bus of guests to them.

The UMC offers an invaluable opportunity to get the lowdown on what’s happening in the growing underground music scene, as well a chance to network and make useful contacts. Artists, bands and songwriters can all benefit from the conference as it continues to move forward as its facilitators and guest speakers meet and speak with bands, listening to what they need and want, then tailor the delivery.

“The underground rock scene has really kicked off,” says Bruce John Dickinson. He should know as former guitarist of Little Angels and The Colour of Noise “It feels like the audience and the bands have reclaimed their own music, and it’s existing outside normal media. It’s social media and it’s bands talking to each other, generating the interest, developing a large community, and with this community comes self-sufficiency. Everywhere I look I see talented bands hitting a wall because they don’t know where to turn for help and advice. Our job is to join the dots and help get new music heard.”

Terri Chapman of Rock People Management agrees: “The Underground Music Conference is exactly what this industry has been missing, finally the emerging acts of this thriving scene are getting some professional high end and FREE advice! The first Underground Music Conference was extremely successful: I came away from it having signed The Rocket Dolls and they are doing amazing things, already including playing Ramblin Man on the Rising stage this year.”

Claire Lloyd, of Central Press, stresses the importance of smart strategy and tactics in the music business and making the right contacts. “It may sound like a fortune cookie, but it you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail. Even if you’ve got great material and performance, you’ll get far better exposure and results by smart planning and making the right connections. I’m very much looking forward to giving a help in hand to bands and artists trying to navigate their way in today’s fast-evolving music business.”

Topics covered at the Underground Music Conferences include:- Self and D.I.Y. Management; how to finance your band and projects (covering crowdfunding, grants, and traditional record deals); planning your career within the industry, and going from local to the national level; PR, social media and networking. What’s more, the UMC helps bands make contacts with labels, managers, PR’s, distributor, merchandisers, etc. – contacts that will make a difference. The Pilots already led to some amazing hook-ups, notably the Rocket Dolls signing to Rock People Management and Saint Apache working with 9 Lives Management.

Bruce recently announced the launch of BRUCE’S NEW MUSIC SHOW on Hard Rock Hell Radio and is looking for the newest and most exciting new music out there which deserves to be heard and bring to a new audience. To submit for this email a track, biog etc. to mycareer@wbear.io if you want feedback send to George george@wbear.io

UNDERGROUND MUSIC CONFERENCE

Get your chance to get up to speed on the brave new world of Underground Music and learn what’s needed to succeed on the new frontiers at the Underground Music Conference. For further details, and to reserve places at these amazing free events, email Claire Lloyd at claire@centralpress.co.uk.

Made My Peace With You New Album from Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band arriving was a reason to be excited at Bluesdoodles HQ, having first heard the gloriously distinctive vocals of Paul Dunbar performing with his previous band The Midnight Ramble at Blues on The Farm 2014. Now back as Paul Dunbar & The Black Winter Band, yes, new band, new album but same instantly recognisable vocals. Opening Made My Peace with Losing Game dripping in soulful and melodic music that pours out of the speaker. The timing and shaping of the chords are sublime when your ears are not being entertained by Dunbar’s vocals. What makes the vocals stand out as you listen to the album? There is a myriad of reasons the power, emotion and the integrity in the way the lyrics are delivered always with clarity and sensitivity to the bands playing. Then there is the grittiness and rawer edge that ensure the album is not just saccharin but full of sharp spiciness as well.

The title track opens with a crescendo of sound from the band. You know what is to come as the lyrics are shaped and given vocal heat by Dunbar. Who does he sound like? What are the bands influences? Dunbar sounds like himself a skilful mix of crooners meets bluesman via soul of Motown. The band The Black Winter is the perfect vehicle of delightful tones and textures that joins the dots with skilful interplay before Paul Dunbar’s voice rejoins the musical jamboree throughout the album.
Joining Paul on vocals and guitars are the Black Winter sound of Liam Atkinson on guitars, bassist Chris Pearce and, completing the album rhythm, drummer Phil Stevens. The band members also add voices as backing vocals they are the complete package.
Ten Tracks, nine originals and one from his previous incarnation, The Midnight Ramble, Ballad of Four Eyes. His voice screeches in tune capturing Joe Cocker vibes and bluesmen and ballads of the past.
Three tracks in and you are emotionally engaged. Inner Springsteen an acknowledged influence is captured in the rockier Friends. The tone is huskier, the guitar tone has an edge and the rhythm deep as it grows hewn from the original riff. This is an example of Dunbar’s raw talent, playing music with friends. Then roots of air, earth, sky and Raging Sea with rootsy tones rooted in the music of folks. This number is darker, deeper, moodier capturing the heart of musicians that keep giving music that clicks onto your musical DNA radar.
Closing out the album of ten tracks with Who’s Gonna Love You; the title asks a question and the listeners of music full of rocky soul and lovers of music are gonna love your sound. As you mix and meld rocking, the soulful rootsy mayhem of delights. Melodies hit the harmonies creating an energy that leaves you wanting more.

NINEdoodle paws out of TEN …

The Losing Game

Made My Peace With You

Ballad of Four Eyes

Barely Holding On

Set Free To Emotion

Friends

Earth Sky Or The Raging Sea

Contort Yourself

Hands Down

Who’s Gunna Love You

Before booking your ticket listen to the fabulous single from the album Barely Holding On

MAGNUM Lost On The Road To Eternity

MAGNUM’s twentieth studio album Lost On The Road To Eternity hits the sweet spot. The album is a fascinating mix of whimsical, fantasy and the power driving beats of rock. The road Magnum are taking us down within the album is full of twists and turns and hidden pathways for you to explore.
There have been changes afoot at camp Magnum, with Rick Benton behind the keys replacing Mark Stanway who suddenly departed from the band mid tour., and with Lee Morris behind the drum kit replacing Harry James whose duties with Thunder and Snakecharmer meant that something had to give-way. The heart of the band are vocalist Bob Catley, guitarist Tony Clarkin and bassist Al Barrow. Band personal sorted, roles defined and Clarkin has completed the songwriting now to step on the road to eternity with the new line-up.
Opening with Peaches and Cream instantly wrapped up in the sweetest Magnum sound. This is an anthem that reverberates through the speaker and beyond. This is life with no happy heading it is no fairy tale “…say life is like Peaches and Cream I say it is only a dream…” – Magnum lyrics wrapped around Bob’s silver vocals and encased in the glorious guitar from Tony. Songwriter, riffing master and vocalist in perfect harmony. Rick Benton’s keys bring a new depth to the tone when they are added to the mix on an opener that gets your attention.
The pace stays with Show Me Your Hands, this is where we hear the new style from Benton on keys in a solo. The shaping of the chords from Benton works well with Clarkin’s melodic vocals. Yes, new keyboards work well linking in and using the bass lines from Al Barrow.
The album is value for sound with plenty of Magnum music to get your ears into. Longer tracks including Welcome To the Cosmic Cabaret gives the time and space for the whole band to explore the context of Magnum rock on the road to eternity. Lee Morris’ power drumming holds the cabaret together grounding the track with a driving shape and purpose. Catley’s vocals unfurl the storyline soaring above the drum and bass lines with a heat and fire in his belly. The interlude with cymbals and keys is a tinkling experience between the verses. This is a prog-rock journey as a story unfolds and fades away as the river flows through the landscapes of our musical imagination. We are at a show Magnum entertains through our speakers up loud at home.
The title track in the middle opens with melodic keys played with an expectation and poignancy. There is an edge to the number, it has a different feel. The album has the addition of Tobias Sammet on vocals giving a different tonal quality to Bob Catley. The two voices work well together giving the theatrical feel that is deserving of a Magnum album title, as We Are Lost on the Road to Eternity.
Every track has its place on the album’s narrative with ballads, such as Storm Baby and slower tracks like Forbidden Masquerade. Starting slower and building to hit you between the ears. Bob Catley’s voice is fantastic full of tonal texture. The number is spiritual and full of mystery it builds the album so that the energy is being maintained.
The final two tracks are those that often linger when the stereo falls silent. Glory To Ashes the guitar picks up an underlying bluesy tone, whilst still one-hundred percent Prog-rock. We are back exploring war and social justice. It would not be a Magnum album if these topics were not considered. The drum is a war drum of despair crafted and sung as a clarion call of rock. Closing the album with King of The World, Magnum are certainly reaching another pinnacle. The new members have injected a sense of purpose and energy. Combining with the power and intricacies of Tony Clarkin’s songwriting imagination and Bob Catley’s voice that just keeps hitting every note effortlessly. He shapes the lyrics so they fit into the melody laid down so that Magnum Prog-rock is a harmonious joy. As we get Lost on the Road to Eternity. Eternity is not long enough when you are entertained by the music of this power and quality as we find out about King of the World.

Fiftieth Anniversary Ten Years After 1967-1974

The golden age of Ten Years After celebrated by Chrysalis Records as they release a 50th Anniversary 10 CD Box set. The first nine albums from Ten Years After 1967-74 and a CD of previously unreleased material. Bluesdoodles review sampler is a pick n’ mix of ten tracks. A taster, sampler to relish the full anniversary box Set. This is an opportunity to dip into albums that bring back so many memories from 1967 mono self-titled album through to Positive Vibrations 1974 release. This is a test as the tracks are not in chronological order but fit together as a musical journey of a band that captures the feel of the time.

Opening the sampler we go back to 1971 and A Space in Time album with I’d Love To Change The World. The pure unadulterated joy to hear Ten Years After again with their infectious and beguiling mix of Ric Lee’s drumming and Alvin Lee soaring above with guitar playing that takes your breath away. Into the heady mix add Chick Churchill’s keys and the grooved bass lines from Leo Lyons. Yes, we want to change the world back to then the music was fresh, new and exciting. Changing perceptions of how the guitar and rock should sound. This was a heady time for popular music and should be celebrated with a box set that captures the moment forever.

Ten Years After moved from mono recording on the self-titled album of 1967 with I Can’t Keep From Crying Sometimes. Then we had stereo as we updated our record players the sound was joyous. We take so much for granted today with instant music wherever we go. The unadulterated pleasure of coming home with a treasured album and putting it onto your deck and hearing the album for the first time. This feeling of wonderment is rekindled in the sampler and will be a wheelbarrow of memories with ten CD’s to enjoy. Sit back relax and listen from the first track to the last as the band intended you to hear their music.

This is music that was changing our thoughts it was experimental, pioneering taking us deep into the wonders of guitar-led music. The lyrics had power and the melodies weaved in and out of our lives. For a few short tears 1967 – 1974 Ten Years After were conquering audiences wherever they played. Their albums and creativity was raw and ground-breaking it was a musically fertile period that has never been bettered.

Every track is a gem on the sampler and re-kindled the joy in listening to Ten Years After 1967-1974. Really did it all start fifty years ago! The closing track of the sampler I’m Going Home from the Undead album opening with a stinging Alvin Lee solo feels just like I’m Going Home to the music of my youth the energy is powerful. Ten Years After a quartet that captured the musical hearts of a generation, forming our musical tastes as part of the British blues boom.

The cuckoo in the pack is the superb I Hear You Calling My Name from The Cap Ferret Sessions in 1972 that were not mixed until 1972 this is a hidden gem in the musical box of delights that is Ten Years After.

“This box set, limited to 1,500 copies worldwide, contains LPs which have been remastered from the original 1/4″ production master tapes along with the bonus disc entitled “The Cap Ferrat Sessions”, which consists of never heard before recordings from 1972, newly mixed by acclaimed record producer Chris Kimsey. The package has a luxury hardback format with slipcase and an accompanying book which includes newly commissioned in-depth 10,000 word sleeve notes written by legendary Melody Maker journalist and early champion of the band, Chris Welch, charting the band’s progress from their early beginnings in Nottingham, through iconic appearances at the Woodstock and the Isle of Wight festivals, right up to their eventual split in 1974. There are extensive interviews with the remaining band members plus members of Alvin Lee’s family, and additional recording notes by Chris Kimsey.”

Ten Years After – The Albums 1967 – 1974 is definitely one for avid collectors and fans of the band, the legendary Cap Ferrat sessions will have a special appeal and will be an essential addition to their collection.

NINEdoodle paws out of TEN …

Track Listing

I’d Love To Change (The World A Space In Time 1971)

Hear Me Calling (Stonedhenge 1969)

Love Like A Man (Cricklewood Green 1970)

I Hear You Calling My Name (The Cap Ferret Sessions 1972 [mixed 2017])

The Tramshed on a cold February night as the queues lengthen and the anticipation rose for MAGNUM back in town tonight as part of the Lost on the Road to Eternity tour. The chatter was about how many tracks from the superb new album, and what favourites from the past would be on the setlist. For the majority waiting, Rebecca Downes was the unknown. For Bluesdoodles who has followed her career we knew they were going to be in for a vocal treat and no-one would be left disappointed by the support tonight.

The band stepped on to the stage and then the blond dynamo that is Rebecca Downes opened her lungs and got the musical journey underway. The band were on top form tonight surrounding Rebecca’s vocals that are sultry, bluesy, rocky shaping the song. Rebecca’s vocals that change with colour and tone can be defined as stunning. Rebecca fronts the band she is the consummate show woman. Opening with Never Gonna Learn, that may be true in a song. The reality is Rebecca and the band keep on developing building on experiences of playing songs live from her albums Be Live and Believe. The set was too short but perfectly formed. A lively opening to the evening, as ever very professional. Rebecca’s stage presence has changed the constants are her voice and the touch of leopard skin, now found on the guitar that adds a layer of rhythm to the sound, adding to Steve Birkett’s guitar playing. Birkett’s guitar is crisp with a mix of the slide, blues and harder edge rock. Night Train was a highlight and Sailing on a Pool of Tears is always a musically emotive charged journey. Then the hint of the music to come on her anticipated album with a new number If I Go To Sleep, with its intriguing sonic opening and heavier sound this is Downes and her band stretching the musical style with accomplished maturity. Rebecca will always charm the audience with her warm smile and charismatic chat. The fans bathed in her vocals as she complimented the MAGNUM fans for turning up to hear her play. As she succinctly said, “Magnum fans really know their music”. Closing the set giving the audience opportunity to give voice a Joplinesque cover of With A Little Help From My Friends. Tonight got off to a flying musical start with the huge talent that is Rebecca Downes. An opening set has heated up the venue and has built up everyone’s expectations for the headline act to follow.

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The atmosphere rose a notch or two in the anticipation of the entrance of tonight’s progressive star turn MAGNUM. With their excellent latest album Lost On The Road to Eternity adding to the thrill and expectation. With a new line-up since the band’s last visit to the Tramshed May 2016. Joining original members Bob Catley and Tony Clarkin plus long-term bassist Al Barrow are Rick Benton on keys who with a synergy was Rebecca Downes’ keyboardist and Lee Morris on his spectacular drum kit.

Opening with Why We Were Younger taking us back to the 2007 album Princess Alice and the Broken Arrow our evening of MAGNUM immersion therapy begins. The band tonight hit the ground running as with Rebecca’s set the sound was superb. MAGNUM was on fire tonight, great sound, great mix of numbers and entertaining the fans with every note and dramatic swirls from Bob. The tour name may have coincided with the album, but the set-list was not a sales drive from the album. The four carefully selected tracks, the title track, Peaches and Cream, Without Love and Show Me Your Hands gave the perfect taster. The four tracks were probably even better live than on the album they were superb.

We danced and cheered and sung along as old numbers were re-imagined and enjoyed. New numbers including from 2016 album Sacred Blood “Divine” Lies”, Crazy Old Mothers morphed into Without Love from the current magus opus from the Prog Rockers we love to hear played live and up close.

With every number the excitement rose, the heat in the room increased as the Tramshed was lit up by music that compels you to listen. The fans loved to hear How Far is Jerusalem and join in on the chorus. What a number that remains ringing tunefully in your ears long after the venue falls silent. When Bob sang Show Me Your Hands, the Cardiff crowd did just that with hands held aloft in unison. The crowd were very animated and bouncing with every note from keys through to guitar. Mesmerised by the drumming and feeling the bass groove. MAGNUM with Bob conducting the atmosphere feeding out of their hands. The stagecraft, interaction with the audience was a masterclass for any aspiring rock band/performer. The MAGNUM hits just kept pouring through the speakers we were already to be part of MAGNUM’s Vigilante force.

All too soon the stage fell silent. Not for long MAGNUM were back for the obligatory encore and ten more minutes of MAGNUM joy. Starting with The Spirit and rock spirit was strong tonight as we Chase The Dragon in Cardiff. Closing the night with When The World Comes Down tonight we were on a high as we stepped back to Vigilante album from 1986. This was an anthemic classic which they don’t always play live. A fantastic top quality gig full of progressive rock enjoyment and fun.

What a night of live music on fire the audience purred with delight a set list full of old favourites forgotten gems and new songs to hear live for the first time. Result! Tonight On A Storyteller’s Night fell silent replaced by a new live favourite Peaches and Cream. We all say come back to Cardiff really soon Rebecca and her band and MAGNUM you will always be welcomed.

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SetList – MAGNUM

When We Were Younger
Sacred Blood “Divine” Lies
Lost on the Road to Eternity
Crazy Old Mothers
Without Love
Your Dreams Won’t Die
Peaches and Cream
How Far Jerusalem
Les Morts Dansant
Show Me Your Hands
Twelve Men Wise and Just
All England’s Eyes
Vigilante
Don’t Wake the Lion (Too Old to Die Young)

Glenn Hughes, the former bassist and singer of Deep Purple, known to millions as the ‘Voice of Rock’, Rock and RollHall of Fame inductee, and the current front man for rock supergroup Black Country Communion, is pleased to announce that he will be performing Deep Purple only material with his “GLENN HUGHES PERFORMS CLASSIC DEEP PURPLE LIVE” nationwide UK tour in October2018.

The nine-date tour promises to be a dynamic, turn-back-the-clocks, two-hour live extravaganza, paying homage to his tenure in the MK 3 and MK 4 incarnations of Deep Purple – one of music history’s most seminal and influential rock and roll groups. All tickets are priced £27.50, except London at £30.00.

Planet Rock will launch a 48-hour ticket pre-sale on Wednesday 21ST February from www.planetrock.com. Tickets will then go on general sale on Friday 23rd February from the 24 HR ticket hotline 08444 780 898 or www.thegigcartel.com.

“I’m excited to be touring the “Classic Deep Purple Live” in the UK this October. I first toured Classic DeepPurple Live in Australia and New Zealand last year and it went down like a storm. We’re also touring the show throughout South America in April, and festivals throughout the summer. By the time we tour the UK in October, we’ll be on fire.”

As well as Glenn on lead vocals and bass guitar, the touring band also features Soren Anderson (guitar), Jesper Bo Hansen (keyboards) and new drummer for the project Fernando Escobedo (drums).

Glenn Hughes, the former bassist and singer of Deep Purple, known to millions as the ‘Voice of Rock’, Rock and RollHall of Fame inductee, and the current front man for rock super group Black Country Communion, is pleased to announce that he will be performing Deep Purple only material with his “GLENN HUGHES PERFORMS CLASSIC DEEP PURPLE LIVE” nationwide UK tour in October2018.

The nine-date tour promises to be a dynamic, turn-back-the-clocks, two-hour live extravaganza, paying homage to his tenure in the MK 3 and MK 4 incarnations of Deep Purple – one of music history’s most seminal and influential rock and roll groups. All tickets are priced £27.50, except London at £30.00.

Planet Rock will launch a 48-hour ticket pre-sale on Wednesday 21ST February from www.planetrock.com. Tickets will then go on general sale on Friday 23rd Februaryfrom the 24 HR ticket hotline 08444 780 898 or www.thegigcartel.com.

“I’m excited to be touring the “Classic Deep Purple Live” in the UK this October. I first toured Classic DeepPurple Live in Australia and New Zealand last year and it went down like a storm. We’re also touring the show throughout South America in April, and festivals throughout the summer. By the time we tour the UK in October, we’ll be on fire.”

As well as Glenn on lead vocals and bass guitar, the touring band also features Soren Anderson (guitar), Jesper Bo Hansen (keyboards) and new drummer for the project Fernando Escobedo (drums).